PURCHASE REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL PARK GRAVES COUNTY

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1 PURCHASE REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL PARK GRAVES COUNTY ENERGY PROJECT SITE SUITABILITY 2009 Department of Energy Development and Independence Energy and Environment Cabinet Commonwealth of Kentucky

2 FOREWORD The Purchase Regional Industrial Park submitted this site for evaluation for potential development as an alternative energy facility. The site was evaluated against preliminary criteria which identifies characteristics beneficial for development of a wind, solar, biomass, nuclear, or coal-to liquid (CTL)/coal-to-gas (CTG) facility. This site benefits from its high biomass availability, sizeable acreage ready for development, and basic utilities. Cover photo (2006) - Proposed development site

An eight county authority from the Western Kentucky Purchase area, has offered the Purchase Regional Industrial Park (PRP) property located adjacent to US Highway 45 in Graves County, north of

3 An eight county authority from the Western Kentucky Purchase area, has offered the Purchase Regional Industrial Park (PRP) property located adjacent to US Highway 45 in Graves County, north of Mayfield, to be evaluated as a potential energy facility. The development of an energy facility, whether for CTL/CTG, wind, nuclear, solar or biomass, must consider basic common factors which include assets like access to transportation, general topography, proximity to public access areas, and available utilities. GENERAL SITE CONSIDERATIONS Ownership The site is owned, controlled, and managed by the eight County authority for the Purchase area. Aerial photograph of development site Page 1

4 Size The site consists of approximately 2,200 acres located adjacent to US Highway 45 in Graves County. Available information indicates historical use of the site has primarily been agriculture, although a munitions manufacturing facility was briefly located on the property for a few years during World War II. Currently the site is used for agriculture, with some residences located throughout the parcel. In March 2009, the site received Mega Site Certification from McCallum Sweeney Consulting. Remaining structures from former munitions facility Topography The property is relatively flat, with a slope between 0 to 3 percent. A review of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hickory and Melber topographic quadrangles indicates that site elevation ranges between 380 to 430 above mean sea level (AMSL). Page 2

Floodplain and Wetlands Although there are floodplain areas in the eastern portion of the site, the majority of the primary building

Some wetlands have been identified in the area; however, industrial park management has reported that it has successfully traded

In January 2009, the site sponsor indicated that a recent wetlands delineation study had been completed and only 23 acres of wetland

The site has several ponds and streams which drain and control surface water runoff.

5 Floodplain and Wetlands Although there are floodplain areas in the eastern portion of the site, the majority of the primary building sites are above the 100- year flood elevation. Some wetlands have been identified in the area; however, industrial park management has reported that it has successfully traded much of the wetland impacted areas for more suitable property. In January 2009, the site sponsor indicated that a recent wetlands delineation study had been completed and only 23 acres of wetland remain within the PRP property which would require mitigation. The site has several ponds and streams which drain and control surface water runoff. According to information provided by the site sponsor in May of 2009, 5H Technology as commenced the permitting process with the US Army Corps of Engineers for wetland mitigation. Portion of development site from internal road Site Hazards Environmental databases were reviewed to determine if there is regulatory evidence that the site or a nearby property has been impacted by environmental issues. Page 3

According to a 2006 FirstSearch Technology Corporation Environmental Database Report, no sites of environmental significance were identified within the designated search radius.

6 According to a 2006 FirstSearch Technology Corporation Environmental Database Report, no sites of environmental significance were identified within the designated search radius. According to environmental studies made available for review by PRP management, the former use of a portion of the property for munitions manufacturing has not been found to have negatively impacted environmental conditions at the site. Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, including a recent re-assessment have been conducted for the entire property. Oil and Gas Wells No on-site gas or oil wells, gathering lines, or transmission lines were observed or reported to be on site. Sensitive Areas The proximity of non-attainment areas and Class I Visibility Areas to the site was examined for potential impacts to air quality or limitations on a required air permit for a CTL/CTG or biomass facility. The site is located over 140 miles southwest of the nearest Class I Visibility Area, Mammoth Cave National Park. The PRP is also not within 50 miles of an area designated as non-attainment for any of the major air pollution constituents. Tributary of Mayfield Creek traversing property Page 4

7 State water data was searched to determine if designated impaired streams in the area might affect discharge requirements for an energy facility. Mayfield Creek at this location is on the (d) List of Surface Waters for impaired uses or habitats of threatened/endangered species. The use designations for Mayfield Creek include warm water aquatic habitat (non-support) and primary contact recreation water (non-support). Pollutants include copper, Escherichia coli, iron, nutrient/eutropication, biological indicators, and sedimentation/siltation. Suspected sources include agriculture, loss of riparian habitat, residential areas, unknown sources and channelization. These water quality issues could affect the timing and effluent limits when obtaining a Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (KPDES) discharge permit. Siting considerations for any energy facility include the presence of Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species in the area, the presence of significant cultural or historical resources in and around the project area, and proximity to public access areas and airports. Publicly available listings of both federal and state threatened and endangered species were reviewed to determine if any species were documented as occurring within the Melber or Hickory topographic quadrangles. No federal species were listed; however, several T&E species were identified on the State listing for these quadrangles. State listed species include the Barn Owl, Great Blue Heron, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, and Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron. Further investigation is recommended to determine if habitat for these species occurs at or around the site. Reference to National Register Properties, National Register Districts, and Inventoried (potentially eligible) Sites identified one previously recorded eligible or potentially eligible property for listing on the National Register of Historic Places at or within 2 kilometers of the project area. Further investigation to ensure no impact from site development to T&E species or cultural resources would be recommended prior to site development. According to the site sponsor in May 2009, a request has been made to the Kentucky Heritage Council for an archaeological review of approximately 44 acres of the site. Page 5

8 Distance from public access areas and airports is critical for successful CTL/CTG or alternative energy sites to minimize environmental impact, hazards to air traffic, and to mitigate potential risks and costs associated with development. Several state parks are located within 20 miles of the PRP and the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a portion of northeastern Graves County. The site is 14 miles from the Mayfield-Graves County Airport. This should provide convenient access, but be far enough to avoid safety issues with take-off and landing patterns. The nearest commercial airport, the Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, is 22 miles to the northwest. Geological Assets Siting considerations for a biomass or CTL/CTG process must take into account available geological assets for potential sequestration. Analysis by the Kentucky Geologic Survey (KGS) ranked the geologic assets for the site as poor. The following graphic depicts geologic assets within a 15-mile radius of the site, and does not indicate development of oil and gas in the region. The site is labeled P on the graphic map. No deep, un-mineable coal beds were identified in the immediate area. Geologic structures and features, which are expected to contribute to successful carbon sequestration, are not found in close proximity to the site. Geotech Engineering has completed an independent geotechnical assessment for the south tract of the property. The proximity of faults to a site may impact the development of a nuclear, biomass, or CTL/CTG facility. The New Madrid Fault Zone is located east of the site, and two unnamed faults are located within 5 miles of the site. Also mapping from the KGS indicates that the seismic risk at the proposed site is high. Page 6

9 Utilities The site is well prepared for development as it has potable water, natural gas, basic electricity, and access to broadband. Sewer lines are located several miles distant and would have to be brought to the site. Page 7

Transportation Road access is essential for any large industrial facility and particularly so for an energy facility that brings in its fuel or trucks out its product.

Internal roads are adequate for many industrial uses but would need to be upgraded for significant coal or other industrial hauling.

10 Transportation Road access is essential for any large industrial facility and particularly so for an energy facility that brings in its fuel or trucks out its product. The PRP has excellent highway access from US Highway 45 with Interstate 24 located 11 miles north and the Julian M. Carroll Purchase Parkway located 9 miles south. Internal roads are adequate for many industrial uses but would need to be upgraded for significant coal or other industrial hauling. Internal site road Although not a significant siting consideration for a nuclear, solar or wind facility, a biomass or CTL/CTG facility will require several transportation options due to the substantial feedstock required for these technologies. The PRP is adjacent to the Paducah and Louisville Railroad on the east with all indications that this rail access can be expanded. In January 2009, the site sponsor reported that all engineering with cost estimates and timelines has been completed for rail spur construction at the site. Page 8

Although the site has access to several large river ports, the closest is over 10 miles away, indicating the need to employ significant

View of US Highway 45 from site Transmission Any energy facility will require access to electric transmission points.

A nuclear, biomass, wind or CTL/CTG facility would require access to larger electric transmission points.

A 161 kv or 138 kv line can be extended from this substation.

11 Although the site has access to several large river ports, the closest is over 10 miles away, indicating the need to employ significant trucking capability if river transport is used. View of US Highway 45 from site Transmission Any energy facility will require access to electric transmission points. A 69kV line should be an adequate capacity to carry generated power from a solar facility in Kentucky. A nuclear, biomass, wind or CTL/CTG facility would require access to larger electric transmission points. Electrical power necessary for this development can be accessed from a significant substation located approximately 3 miles from the PRP. A 161 kv or 138 kv line can be extended from this substation. The existing right of way for the current lower voltage may be utilized or additional right-of-way will need to be obtained. The substation should also serve as an adequate transmission point for the transmission of excess electricity produced by a CTL/CTG or a biomass facility. At this time, available capacity would not be sufficient for a nuclear operation, which would require at a minimum, a 345 kv line. Page 9

12 Natural gas is used as a feedstock and fuel in CTL/CTG and for some biomass facilities, making access to a supply important. Additionally, if the facility makes synthetic natural gas, access to a transmission pipeline will be important in getting products to market. According to PRP management, an 8-inch ATMOS line is within 6,000 of the site. Water Supply Available water supply is a critical project component for the development of a CTL/CTG, biomass or nuclear facility. The site is located just west of Mayfield Creek. The local watershed is the Mayfield Creek Watershed and the HUC 11 listing is The mean annual stream flow for Mayfield Creek at mile point 30 is 85,726 gallons per minute (gpm) or 123 million gallons per day (MGD). The low-flow 7Q 2 is 5,834 gpm or 8.4 MGD and the low-flow 7Q 10 is 3,366 gpm or 4.8 MGD. The low-flow 7Q 10 is the lowest mean flow during seven consecutive days over a ten-year period. The low-flow 7Q 2 is the lowest mean flow during seven consecutive days over a two year period. No USGS gaging station is available for flow data upstream or downstream from site location. No public water intakes are within 25 miles downstream of the site. Although a substantial aquifer is located beneath the PRP, well production was represented as being about 900 gpm. Typically, a CTL/CTG or biomass facility require a minimum of 2,500 gpm or 3.6 MGD for process or cooling water needs, and a nuclear facility requires a minimum of 8,000 gpm or 11.5 MGD for cooling water needs. Low flow conditions of Mayfield Creek in conjunction with a demonstrated 900 gpm well yield, will not meet the minimum water requirements for a nuclear facility. However, well yield and Mayfield Creek, in combination, may be an adequate water supply for a CTL/CTG or biomass facility. Further investigation of available water supply to the site would be required to confirm if adequate resources are available to support a CTL/CTG or biomass facility at this location. Workforce Availability According to the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet s website in 2008, this site could attract employees, both for construction and operation from an eight county area, including the Purchase area as well as two counties in Tennessee and one in Illinois. Page 10

13 This information identifies a labor market greater than 125,000 workers. Recent local research completed as part of the Boyd Group s air service analysis of the Barkley Regional Airport indicates that the area actually has a population of over 600,000 within a one-hour commute. This information indicates a significant population from which a facility could draw for labor. Graves County labor market area Civilian Labor Force Graves County Labor Market Area 2007 Oct Oct Civilian Labor Force 15,988 15, , ,074 Employed 14,964 14, , ,739 Unemployed 1,024 1,034 7,527 8,335 Unemployment Rate %) Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau or Labor Statistics Page 11

14 Other General Characteristics The proximity to military sites was reviewed in order to consider the potential impact of an energy facility to military training routes or long range radar. Based upon information produced by the Federal Aviation Administration s Department of Defense Screening Tool, the proposed site has no anticipated impact to long range radar or weather service radar or military operations. However, further documentation and confirmation is recommended prior to site development. Atmospheric extremes, such as tornadoes, are capable of structurally damaging a facility and must be considered particularly during siting for a solar, nuclear, or wind facility. Based upon Federal Emergency Management Agency mapping, the site is at a moderate to high risk for tornado activity. TECHNOLOGY SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS CTL/CTG In addition to the common factors described above for energy site development, unique factors specific to a particular technology must be considered. For a CTL/CTG facility, access to coal resources is important. Graves County and the entire Purchase area are outside the Western Kentucky Coal Fields. This area is still influenced by coal as there is a coal blending facility at Kentucky Dam and another proposed in Paducah. Substantial coal shipments occur on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers which are within 20 miles of the site. Solar Adequate solar radiation is critical to the successful generation of solar power. A successful site should be relatively free from land cover, and not within a mile of a corporate city boundary. The PRP has an average direct normal solar radiation of 4.02 KWh/m 2 /day and an annual average solar radiation for two-axis flat plates of 6.35 KWh/m 2 /day. Based upon this average solar radiation, too much cloud cover and haze is present to be effective as a large scale facility. Due to the site s agriculture use, Page 12

15 significant portions of the property are relatively free of trees or other land cover that could impact a solar facility. Solar installations in large mass can be a visual distraction to local communities. Although not a large city, Folsomdale, Kentucky is located just west of the site along US Highway 45, and residential properties are scattered throughout the 2,200 acre parcel. Solar insolation map Wind The most critical component for a successful wind facility is adequate and consistent wind speed. In order to generate enough power to be a utility class facility, a mean average wind speed at 60 meters of 5.6 meters per second (m/s) or greater is required. Information obtained from AWS Truewind, indicates that the average wind speed at 60 meters for the site is 5.19 m/s. Without adequate wind speed, other factors, such as foundational concerns, potential visual impacts, telecommunication interference, impacts to birds and bats, as well as operational concerns such as ice shedding, noise, blade drop and throw, and flicker are moot. Wind speed measurements to accurately assess the available resource at any potential development site would be required prior to final planning. Page 13

16 Mean wind speed 5.19 m/s Biomass An adequate feedstock supply environment includes available crop residues, animal manure, forest residues from former silviculture or clearing, primary and secondary mill residues, urban residues (i.e., wood scraps from local business such as lumberyards), landfill gas, domestic wastewater, or switchgrass. Information obtained from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory indicates that the total biomass available within Graves County is 382,228 tonnes/year. Biomass in Graves and its surrounding Counties is 1,945,564 tonnes/year. These supplies (> 500,000 tonnes/year) are expected to provide an adequate feedstock source, and consist of some of the largest availability within the State. Analysis of the potential in the area to grow feedstock specifically for a biomass facility should also be part of the planning process. Page 14

17 Nuclear A limiting factor to the development of a nuclear facility is available water supply. A minimum of 8,000 gpm or 11.5 MGD of water is required to meet basic facility needs. Low flow conditions of Mayfield Creek in conjunction with a demonstrated 900 gpm well yield, will not meet the minimum water requirements for a nuclear facility at this time. Without adequate demonstrated water supply, other factors, such as safety issues, proximity to population centers and atmospheric conditions are moot. SUITABILITY In summary, at this time, the PRP, located in Western Kentucky, is most suitable for location of a biomass alternative energy facility. The site scored a total of 827 points, representing 66% of the total available points for a biomass facility. The site scored a total of 832 points, representing 69% of the total available points for a CTL/CTG facility. Although the PRP exhibits significant assets in the way of substantial areas of land ready for development, high biomass availability, most basic utilities, highway and rail access, some additional work would be required. Necessary upgrades to the site include: sewer treatment, substantial gas access, and high voltage electrical service to the site. PRP s location within a risk zone for seismic activity may provide site constraint. The site scored 360 points, representing 39% of the total available points for a solar facility at this location. Available solar radiation at the site is too low to produce a significant source of energy for a utility solar facility alone. Sizeable, cleared areas on the property make this site desirable for solar panel placement; however, proximity to public access areas may provide some limitation. Due to a low average mean wind speed, this location is not a viable location for a utility scale wind facility. Similarly, the absence of adequate water supply volume eliminates this site from consideration for nuclear facility development at this time. Page 15

18 Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence Metro Street 12 th Floor, Capital Plaza Tower Frankfort, KY (502) or (800) Smith Management Group Mercer Road Lexington, KY (859) Purchase Area Development District ATTN: Purchase Regional Industrial Park President PO Box 588 Mayfield, KY (270)

PENN VIRGINIA LAND COMPANY AREA C HENDERSON COUNTY

PENN VIRGINIA LAND COMPANY AREA C HENDERSON COUNTY ENERGY PROJECT SITE SUITABILITY 2009 Department of Energy Development and Independence Energy and Environment Cabinet Commonwealth of Kentucky FOREWORD